Competitive Management of Sugarcane Waste and Reduction of CO2 Emissions from Harvest Burning in Supply Regions

Sugarcane is an important crop in more than 100 countries around the world. Their burning is a cultural activity before and after the harvest; however, pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere can affect the human health and weather, respectively. The aim of this research is to report the CO2 emissions of the main countries dedicated to the cane production and explain their relevant relation with the dry matter available to the burn and how it can affect their alternative uses. The methodology used in this study identifies the relation between biomass burned (dry matter) and CO2 emissions, estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with the techniques of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The study was carried out for the period of 1990–2014. The results show an important positive trend in the increase in the annual production levels and the biomass burned during the harvest period. The high correlation between harvested area and yield per hectare in countries such as Brazil and the United States allows to have more biomass available for alternative uses. Countries such as Mexico and Colombia have a low correlation between both the parameters due to the increase in the harvested hectares and reduction of their performance per hectare

Diseño de adobes urbanos para construcción de vivienda en México

Debido a la escasez de documentación sobre técnicas y materiales de construcción tradicional para entornos urbanos, se proponen bloques de suelo compactado que se adapten a las viviendas urbanas de la región y que sea rentables y con bajo impacto ambiental. Se busca la eliminación del proceso de cocción del ladrillo rojo debido a su alta contribución de gases de efecto invernadero y contaminantes, además de su fácil reintegración al ciclo de viva de la vivienda y capacidad térmica. Esto se logra a través de elementos aglutinantes y estabilizantes para cumplir con las normas de construcción de México. Este trabajo presenta distintas dosificaciones de aglutinantes y estabilizantes con materiales de la región y las capacidades de carga obtenidas. Los resultados son la base para normas específicas de adobe para uso urbano

Influence of sugarcane burning on soil carbon and nitrogen release under drought and evapotranspiration conditions in a Mexican sugarcane supply zone

"Sugarcane cultivation is an agricultural activity of worldwide importance. This crop has been cultivated in Mexico for centuries, impacting important productive areas like the study region called Huasteca Potosina which is located at the Central-East part of Mexico. The relationship between soil conditions, weather and production per hectare allows identifying the edaphological and climatic conditions (aptitude levels) for cultivating sugarcane in the study area. The objective of this research work is to analyze the relation between the cultivated hectares and production of sugarcane. Likewise, to explain its behavior and interpret the contribution of N and C released to the atmosphere for burning sugar cane in association with events and meteorological parameters involved in the flux of water between soil and atmosphere such as drought, evapotranspiration and rainfall. The methods and indicators for burning waste provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the value of potential evapotranspiration as Thornthwaite and drought severity index were applied in order to understand the correlations between the drought severity index and potential evapotranspiration, and between C and N release and potential rainfall availability. The results show the increment of harvested hectares and the loss of water from the soil by the increase of periods of drought events and evapotranspiration. The volatilized nutrients in soil varied from 1.32 x 105 to 2.17 x 105 t for C and from 1.32 x 103 t to 2.17 x 103 t for N during the burning of sugarcane, affecting production levels with values fluctuating between 38 t/ha to 77 t/ha for the term of 1990-2010.""El cultivo de caña de azúcar es una actividad agrícola de importancia mundial llevada a cabo en México durante siglos, impactando importantes áreas productivas como la región de estudio llamada Huasteca Potosina, localizada al este central de México. La relación entre las condiciones del suelo, clima y producción por hectárea permite identificar las condiciones edafológicas y climáticas (niveles de aptitud) para cultivar la caña de azúcar en el área de estudio. Bajo este contexto, el objetivo fue analizar la relación entre las hectáreas cultivadas y la producción de caña de azúcar y explicar su comportamiento al interpretar las contribuciones del N y C liberados a la atmósfera por la quema de caña asociados a eventos y parámetros meteorológicos involucrados en el flujo de agua entre el suelo y la atmósfera como sequía, evapotranspiración y lluvia. Los métodos e indicadores para la quema de residuos provistos por el Panel Intergubernamental del Cambio Climático (IPCC. por sus siglas en inglés), el valor de la evapotranspiración potencial por Thornthwaite y el índice de severidad de la sequía fueron aplicados para comprender las correlaciones entre el índice de severidad de la sequía y la evapotranspiración potencial, así como entre el C y el N liberados y la disponibilidad potencial de lluvia. Los resultados muestran el incremento en las hectáreas cosechadas y la pérdida de agua del suelo por el aumento de los periodos de sequía y la evapotranspiración. Los nutrientes del suelo volatilizados, varían de 1.32 x 105 ton a 2.17 x 105 ton para C y 1.32 x 103 ton a 2.17 x 103 ton para N durante la quema de caña de azúcar, lo que afecta sus niveles de producción con valores que fluctúan entre 38 t/ha y 77 t/ha durante el periodo 1990-2010.

Semiautomatización de un invernadero de pequeña escala

Objective: Implement a low-cost semi-automated system in a small-scale greenhouse Design/methodology/approach: For the automation an arduino plate, an RHT03 sensor, a 78xx regulator, a Big John Giant pump of a 1 hp and a Sun Hold Ras 0510 relay were used. With the Arduino board, a semi-automated system was implemented that controls the ignition and shutdown of the irrigation and nebulization system, the temperature, relative humidity and humidity of the substrate are regulated. Results: The parameters that were measured are humidity of the substrate, relative humidity and, temperature with a total of 5 sensors for relative humidity and temperature and three sensors for the humidity of the substrate. By measuring these variables the on and off of pumps for irrigation and fogging is controlled, as well as having terminals that in the future can control the opening and closing of the lateral vents. Implications: We were able to confirm that the automation of the greenhouse helps to streamline agricultural processes while optimizing and controlling climatic axes that can be assumed as possible threats in the framework of the planting and ripening process. We also check the effectiveness of this type of methods when producing and taking care of the fruit.Conclusions: The automation to be controlled by a computer, facilitates having several modules in operation, controllingthe irrigation and nebulization pumps according to the needs of each module.Objetivo: Implementar un sistema semiautomatizado de bajo costo en un invernadero a pequeña escala Metodología: Para la automatización se utilizó una placa arduino, un sensor RHT03, un regulador 78xx, una bomba Big John Giant de un 1 hp y un relevador Sun Hold Ras 0510. Con la placa arduino se implementó un sistema semiautomatizado que controla el encendido y el apagado del sistema de riego y nebulización, se regula la temperatura, la humedad relativa y la humedad del sustrato. Resultados: Los parámetros evaluados fueron humedad del sustrato, humedad relativa y, temperatura con un total de cinco sensores para humedad relativa y temperatura y tres sensores para la humedad del sustrato. Al medir estas variables se controla el encendido y el apagado de bombas para riego y nebulización, además de contar con terminales que en un futuro puedan controlar la apertura y el cierre de las ventilas laterales. Implicaciones: Se confirmó que la automatización del invernadero ayuda a agilizar los procesos agrícolas al tiempo que optimiza y controla ejes climáticos que pueden ser asumidos como posibles amenazasen el marco del proceso de siembra y maduración. Se comprobó la eficacia de este tipo de métodos a la hora de producir y cuidar el fruto. Conclusiones: La automatización al ser controlada por un equipo de cómputo, facilita tener diversos módulos en operación, controlando las bombas de riego y nebulización de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada módulo

Gestión del agua como factor limitante de productividad cañera en México

For Mexico it is fundamental to apply precise agricultural techniques in the sugarcane industry based on basic meteorological data such as precipitation, temperature and evapotranspiration in order to obtain the potential soil humidity, along with remote sensing techniques and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This study was performed during the 2008-2010 harvest seasons in the Huasteca Potosina region of Mexico. The analysis based on remote sensing techniques used NOAA-AVHRR images from satellites 17, 18 and 19 with AVHRR bands 1 (pi) (0.58 to 0.68 pm - red) and AVHRR 2 (p2) (0.72 to 1.10 pm - Near Infrared) to generate NDVI images. Simultaneously meteorological data was calculated based on data from from 11 agroclimate stations located in the study region. This data was, in turn, used to calculate the Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI). Results show a correlation between NDVI values and climatic conditions, which influence sugarcane productivity in the Huasteca Potosina region.Para México es fundamental aplicar técnicas de agricultura de precisión en la agroindustria azucarera con información meteorológica básica de precipitación, temperatura y evapotranspiración para obtener el potencial de humedad retenido por el suelo, en conjunto con percepción remota y el Índice de Diferencia Normalizada de Vegetación (NDVI). El trabajo se llevó a cabo en zafra 2008/2010 en Huasteca Potosina México. Se emplearon imágenes NOAA-AVHRR de satélites 17, 18 y 19 con bandas AVHRR 1 (p1) (0,58 a 0,68 pm - rojo) y AVHRR 2 (p2) (0,72 a 1,10 pm - infrarrojo cercano) para generar imágenes NDVI, simultáneamente se calculó a partir de registros de 11 estaciones de la zona cañera para obtener el Índice de Satisfacción de las Necesidades Hídricas de los Cultivos (ISNH). El análisis indica que existe la correlación de valores NDVI con las condiciones climáticas y que inciden en la productividad de la zafra azucarera de la Huasteca Potosina

Percepción local respecto a la valoración ambiental y pérdida de los recursos forestales en la región Huasteca de San Luis Potosí, México

Abstract: The loss of forest resources in the Mexican Huasteca region is a complex problem, which requires a multidisciplinary approach and a participatory process of local stakeholders in order to detect problems and develop mitigation strategies. The objective of this study is to analyze the local perception of the population regarding the environmental assessment and the loss of forest resources in the Ejido Laguna del Mante and the Tocoy Community of the Huasteca in San Luis Potosi. A methodology for the analysis was developed to evaluate the perception of the local population and semi-structured interviews were applied to stakeholders. Also, a participatory mapping of perception of the past, present and future of the forest resources and other land uses was performed. Finally, in both communities the cover and land uses were classified, and its changes were calculated. The results point out that local population perceives the loss and degradation of their forest resources according to their local knowledge based primarily in the experiences of their productive activities, which is expressed in the interviews and participatory mapping of perception. Both communities suffered considerable deforestation for the period 1973-2014. The methodology based on local perception, supported by participatory mapping and the analysis of land cover and land use change, allowed the understanding of scenarios for the state of forest resources and the productive dynamics developed in the study area. It should serve as a tool for strategies and local policies development towards the conservation and management of the forest covers in the Huasteca.Resumen: La pérdida de recursos forestales en la región Huasteca es un problema complejo que requiere un enfoque multidisciplinario y un proceso participativo de actores locales para detectar problemas y elaborar estrategias para mitigarlos. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la percepción local de la población respecto a la valoración ambiental y pérdida de los recursos forestales en el "Ejido Laguna del Mante" y la "Comunidad Tocoy" de la Huasteca de San Luis Potosí. Se desarrolló una metodología de análisis para avaluar la percepción local de la población y se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores claves. Asimismo, se realizó un mapeo participativo de percepción del pasado, presente y futuro de los recursos forestales y otros usos de suelo. Finalmente, se clasificó y calculó el cambio de cobertura y uso de suelo para ambas comunidades. Los resultados indican que la población percibe la pérdida y degradación de sus recursos forestales de acuerdo con su conocimiento local, basado fundamentalmente en las experiencias de sus actividades productivas, expresadas en entrevistas y mapas participativos de percepción. Ambas comunidades sufrieron procesos considerables de deforestación en el periodo 1973-2014. La metodología sobre percepción local apoyadas en mapeo participativo y análisis de cambios de cobertura y uso de suelo, permitió entender escenarios del estado de los recursos forestales y la dinámica productiva desarrollada en el área de estudio, y debe servir como herramienta para el desarrollo de estrategias y generación de políticas locales en post de la conservación y manejo de coberturas forestales en la Huasteca

Geopolymeric Composite Materials Made of Sol-Gel Silica and Agroindustrial Wastes of Rice, Barley, and Coffee Husks with Wood-Like Finishing

Geopolymers have been mainly utilized as structural materials; their chemical structure and morphologies have been explored for their potential as a high-performance material in emerging applications. Geopolymer composites reinforced with materials based on agro-waste are attracting interest in engineering applications due to their easy processing, low cost, low density, and high strength-to-weight ratio. This investigation pursues an experimental methodology that consists of a scheme to make composites with a geopolymer matrix and agro-waste (rice husk, barley, and coffee) as aggregate material, that can be applied in various fields of construction. The study was intended to determine the influence of adding various agro-wastes on the mechanical properties of the geopolymer. According to the respective ASTM standards, the materials obtained were prepared and analyzed to determine their compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-determined characteristics. The results revealed that, for the compression tests, the composites formed by a sol-gel matrix and barley husk showed a better yield, obtaining the highest value of 3.5 N/mm2. Concerning hardness testing, the composites with a geopolymer matrix and coffee husks obtained higher values compared to the other composites. For the flexural tests, the compounds with the sol-gel/fly ash matrix obtained the highest yield stress value, which was 5.25 MPa with an elastic modulus of 7.59 GPa. The results of the microstructural analysis showed good husk-matrix interaction, together with failure mechanisms. The conformation of such waste-based compounds may enable them to replace natural wood in some applications, such as in the finishing of interiors of homes, during the final stages in the construction of buildings, or in the decoration of inhabited houses, as well as in finishing in the manufacture of furniture